Should Dogs Go Grain Free?

One of the challenges of being a pet owner is determining what food to feed your furry friend. With so many different ideas circulating online and dog food brands advertising why their ingredient selection is best, it’s hard to know who or what to believe.

You have probably seen dog food companies and various online or print marketing that promote a grain-free diet for dogs. One such argument is that dogs evolved from wolves, carnivorous animals that do not need grains. That could make sense, right?

It's understandable why pet owners would consider a grain-free diet for their dogs due to claims like these. However, some scientific studies have found that grain-free diets could lead to the development of a heart condition called dilated cardiomyopathy, or "DCM."

What is DCM, and can it be cured?

DCM is a disease of a dog’s heart muscle. It causes an enlarged heart, making it more challenging for the heart to pump blood. In severe cases, it could cause a leak in the heart valve and a build-up of fluid, which is extremely dangerous.

When it comes to DCM that results from diet, it’s called, unimaginatively, “diet-associated DCM.”

Studies have found that including grains in your dog’s diet may help prevent DCM. In addition, for dogs who may have acquired DCM due to a lack of grains in their diet, it’s been found that once they’ve switched to a more traditional diet and perhaps undergone treatment, it may also reverse the effects of DCM. But this needs to be investigated further.

The link between grain-free and DCM

Many experts agree that dogs do require grains to maintain a balanced diet. They believe that while dogs may have evolved from carnivorous wolves, the domesticated dogs we bring into our homes and cuddle up with on the couch have very different digestive needs.

One argument favoring grains is that they support healthy levels of an amino acid called taurine. Although the role of taurine is not entirely understood yet, it’s been found to support healthy hearts, and low levels of it might cause DCM.

Different grain-free diets

Some dog food is specifically labeled “grain-free” (meaning it’s made with little-to-no grains). But other canine diets, such as vegan, vegetarian, or home-prepared diets, can also result in a dog's lack of grain intake. Another grain-deficient diet, often called boutique, exotic-ingredient and grain-free diets (or “BEG”), may use ingredients like salmon, duck, buffalo, or kangaroo, and things like fava beans, tapioca, peas, and chickpeas. It’s important to note that some of these non-traditional dog food ingredients tend to be less studied than traditional ingredients, so it’s difficult to know their actual effects.

Is restricting grains the only reason a dog could develop DCM?

No, restricting grains is not the only possible reason a dog may develop DCM. Other ideas are being studied too. One example is the breed of the dog itself. Certain breeds, such as Golden Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels, and English Setters, may be predisposed to low taurine levels, which, as you’ve learned, may cause DCM. However, more studies still need to be done to confirm this.

What can you do?

We know you’re doing the best you can for your pup! If you are unsure what to do or if you are overwhelmed by all the information out there, here are some tips:

• Routine check-ups with a vet are important for good health maintenance. And, if you suspect your dog is not acting like themselves or is obviously ill, take them to see your vet sooner.

• Be open and honest with your vet about your dog’s diet. If you have them on store-bought food, give them all the details as if you were asking them to pick up the food for you at the store. This includes listing things like the brand name, the type of food, and the flavor. And don’t forget to let them know about any table scraps, treats, and bones your dog eats too! This way, your vet can get an accurate picture of your dog’s nutritional intake and whether any changes are needed.

• Remember that certain dog food companies may not be evidence-based or have your pet’s health as their top priority. On the other hand, there are dog food companies where animal health experts create food based on science-backed data and clinical trials. You can ask your vet for suggestions on science-based dog food brands if you'd like.

Your vet knows best!

If you’re still unsure about your pet’s dietary needs, discuss it with the vet at your dog’s next appointment.

They got you!

References

Freeman, L.M., Stern, J.A., Fries, R., Adin, D.B., Rush, J.E. (2018). Diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs: what do we know? Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Volume 253: Issue 11. Accessed online: https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.253.11.1390

Freid, K., Freeman, L., Rush, J., Cunningham, S., Davis, M., Karlin, E., & Yang, V. (2020). Retrospective study of dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.15972. 

Pace, C. (2021). Diet associated canine dilated cardiomyopathy. The Veterinary Nurse, 12, 170-175. https://doi.org/10.12968/VETN.2021.12.4.170.

Webster, Larissa J., "Reviewing the Potential Link Between Grain-Free Diets and Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Canines" (2020). University Honors Theses. Paper 867. https://doi.org/10.15760/honors.888

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). June 26, 2023. Questions & Answers: FDA’s Work on Potential Causes of Non-Hereditary DCM in Dogs. https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/questions-answers-fdas-work-potential-causes-non-hereditary-dcm-dogs